Nile River Cruises
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Table of contents
- The best Nile cruises
- What people love about cruising the Nile
- See the Nile your way
- Best tour companies
- Popular Nile Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your adventure
- Discover Nile tours for every budget
- Cruises for every type of group
- Nile itineraries by length
- Traveler types and experiences
- Best time to visit
- Contact our Nile travel experts
- What our customers ask about Nile River Cruises
The best Nile cruises
Compiled by
MelissaNile travel expert at TourRadar
4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor
207 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour we did on the Nile was such an amazing experience. The food was so delicious!”
Iris, traveled in May
The legendary Nile River comes alive on this highly-rated cruise from Aswan to Luxor, rated 4.7/5 from 150+ travelers. Ancient temples including Philae and Karnak reveal their secrets through expert Egyptologist guides. A 5-star ship with swimming pool provides daily meals, while optional tours to Abu Simbel temples and Nubian villages enhance the adventure.
Duration 4 days Destinations Aswan, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna, Valley of the Kings, Luxor Age Range 2 to 90 year olds River Nile Operator Holiday In Egypt From $1,161
55% Off- NZ$523You save $639
Holiday In Egypt 4 Days – 3 Nights 5* Nile Cruise From Cairo by Flight
74 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The room and food was very good and varied. The service was also excellent.”
Timothy, traveled in April
The majestic Nile awaits aboard a 5-star cruise from Aswan to Luxor. The journey unfolds at Philae Temple, leads to the crocodile god temple at Kom Ombo, and reveals Edfu's falcon shrine. Rated 4.9/5 from 50+ reviews, featuring full-board dining, expert guides, and optional Abu Simbel excursions.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cairo, Aswan, Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor Age Range 2 to 88 year olds River Nile Operator Holiday In Egypt From $1,992
55% Off- NZ$897You save $1,096
5 * Deluxe Nile River Cruise from Cairo include flights - 3 Nights 4 Days
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The staff on board are super friendly and willing to help, and the cruise boat is very nice, clean, and modern.”
Sandy, traveled in February
The ancient Nile beckons for 3 nights aboard a 5-star deluxe cruise ship from Aswan to Luxor. Visits include the High Dam, Philae Temple, and temples at Kom Ombo and Edfu. Full-board dining, expert guides, and modern transport complete the experience, all for approx. $190 per day.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cairo, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor Age Range 2 to 85 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Spanish River Nile Operator Holiday In From
55% Off- NZ$1,288
River Nile Story - 4 Days 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor with meals and Sightseeing
182 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was sparkling, food was amazing, rooms clean and neat and crew super polite and friendly.”
Felipe, traveled in May
A 5-star cruise ship carries you along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor for approx. $130 per day. Highlights include Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Valley of Kings with expert guides. Package includes en-suite cabin accommodation, full-board dining, and all transfers in modern air-conditioned vehicles.
Duration 4 days Destinations Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor Age Range 2 to 99 year olds River Nile Operator Egypt Best Holidays From
55% Off- NZ$914
River Nile Dream - 4 Days from Luxor to Aswan (5 Stars Nile Cruise & Sightseeing)
40 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was very nice and informative. The boat ride was very nice and pleasant.”
Andre, traveled in September
The timeless Nile flows from Luxor to Aswan on this 5-star cruise ship adventure. Iconic temples at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae come alive with qualified Egyptologists. Panoramic river views, gourmet buffets, and optional sunrise balloon rides over ancient monuments create unforgettable memories.
Duration 4 days Destinations Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan Age Range 1 to 99 year olds River Nile Operator Egypt Best Holidays From
55% Off- NZ$914
What people love about cruising the Nile
Fantastic tour! Highly recommend
4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor
- Holiday In Egypt 4 Days – 3 Nights 5* Nile Cruise From Cairo by Flight
We bought the cruise tickets, months before the actual date, during those months Mohamed answered all our questions and was very nice. Near the cruise date, he sent us the internal flights tickets, and I was very surprised that the flight from Luxor to Cairo was planned to midnight, when the tour would end at noon. I sent him a message right away, asking to change the flights since that time would not work for us. I followed up in that request, and the answer was always the same, I will see if it's possible. The trip date arrived and we started our cruise. We had an amazing guide (not sure how to spell his name but is something like Ahmur), our trip in Egypt lasted 1 week, 3 days besides the cruise, and he was the best person we met during the whole experience. He was the one person that did not asked us for money for every single thing that he did for us. He was funny, nice and so helpful. Our trip was good thanks to him. We spend 4 days with him and he took us to all the amazing places, as if was not enough to be there, he scheduled some of the tours earlier so we could arrive in the place before all the other tourists, more than once we had temples just for us, the pictures are amazing. Regarding that Luxor plan ticket that I talked about, once we were in Egypt we bought a chip with an egyptian phone number and then we started communicating regularly with Mohamed, on the 2nd day of the tour my husband asked him if he had changed the tickets, and he didn't. In the end we need to pay almost a new ticket to be able to change the time of the flight. I am sure if the change was made when I asked (weeks before) it would be much less expensive. Another issue we had, was about the 4th day of the tour, in the description on the website, there was an '(optional)' before the paragraph that describe the hot air balloon tour, and then the tour for Karnak and Luxor temple is described in a different paragraph, giving the impression that is included. But it's not, so, in fact you buy a 4 days tours experience, and if you don't pay extra you will actually have just 3 days. As we did not want to spend the day 'doing nothing' the whole day, we decided to pay for this 'optional' tour, after we clarified the confusion. We would still recommend the service, due to our amazing guide and to the close support we had from Mohamed during the trip. But as a warning, go prepared to spent more money than planned. And as a suggestion for Real Life Egypt: - When a customer request a change on a plan ticket, try and see that in advance as we all know, ticket plans tend to get more expensive near the trip date. - Improve the description of the tour, adding 'Optional' in every paragraph that describe the tours, just to avoid any confusion and breaking expectations.
- 5 * Deluxe Nile River Cruise from Cairo include flights - 3 Nights 4 Days
Great experience and even exceeded the expectations. Cruise crew was so helpful and attentive to our needs that I would recommend to anyone. We booked our Nile cruise through Holiday in and had Ahmed as tour guide. What a great combination and all went so smoothly and their communication regarding the logistics was great. Ahmed is such a great and well informed guide and assisted us with obtaining student tickets for our children at all sites. The cruise was super (food, pool, sundeck) we really enjoyed it
See the Nile your way
The Nile cruise options run between 8-14 days, taking you along the classic Luxor to Aswan route that hits all the right spots. Our travelers appreciate the 5-star ships with their excellent restaurants and well-designed cabins facing the river. Some tours start with a special pyramid-view dinner before you board, while others offer intimate dahabiya sailboats for a smaller group experience. Many packages cleverly combine Nile cruising with time in Cairo, so you can properly explore the Egyptian Museum and pyramids before heading south. The 10-14 day trips that include the Red Sea work really well where you get your fill of temples and tombs but also time to relax and maybe snorkel. The 8-day cruises are perfect if you're focused on archaeology, while longer trips let you experience more local life in places like Kom Ombo, Edfu, and smaller riverside towns. Our customers love the daily rhythm - active mornings at historical sites, lazy afternoons watching village scenes from the deck, and cultural shows in the evening. Having expert guides manage everything means you can just soak in the experience. It's a natural way to see Egypt when you have the right boat, route, and local expertise.
Discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten paths with over 92 adventures available in Nile.
Select from our extensive range of 309 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through the Nile with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Nile. We have 33 adventures that vary from 1 days to 14 days. With the greatest number of departures in June, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Nile tour companies
Based on the reviews, you'll notice some clear differences between these Egyptian tour companies. Ramasside Tours stands out for family trips - their guides get many positive mentions from parents traveling with kids. They understand how to keep children engaged while sharing their knowledge about the sites. Fez Travel and Encounters Travel are popular operators with similar itineraries. Cairo Pass has built a solid reputation, particularly for their Siwa Oasis experiences with their quick responses and well-organized tours getting good feedback What emerges from customer experiences is that guide quality and clear communication about logistics, costs, and potential changes really make the difference in Egypt tours. The more established companies like Ramasside have figured out how to deliver consistently, while newer operators are still working out some service details
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Popular Nile Cruise Ships
Where to start your Nile trip
You can start your Nile journey from Luxor, Cairo, or Aswan, with Luxor being the most popular choice. Our experienced travelers suggest picking an upper deck cabin for better views and less engine noise, which matters when boats tie up next to each other You'll find options ranging from luxury ships to traditional dahabiyas, and each gives you a different way to experience daily life along the river, with chances to meet local vendors and get genuine cultural interactions.
River cruises for every budget
The 3-4 night Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan hit the sweet spot for budget-conscious travelers. You'll cover major sites like Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Philae Temple without stretching your wallet too far. Our customers love taking traditional horse carriage rides to Edfu Temple and watching daily life unfold along the riverbanks. The cabins are comfortable, Egyptian meals are included on board, and the guides make all the difference.
The 7-15 day premium journeys blend elegant Nile cruising with carefully selected hotels for those seeking extra comfort. The upscale vessels feature roomy suites with private balconies, fine dining, and wine tastings. Travellers particularly value the early morning Karnak Temple visits with expert Egyptologists before the crowds arrive.
Nile luxury tours
Cruises for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
223 tours in NileExplore a wide diversity of group tours through the Nile. With the greatest number of departures in March, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
61 tours in NileVisit Nile with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
121 tours in NilePrivate tours run anywhere from 3-7 nights or more, starting from either Luxor or Aswan, with your dedicated Egyptologist guide throughout. While covering all major temples, you'll also explore hidden gems like the workers' village at Deir el-Medina. Having your guide means you can take time for photos and dive deeper into discussions about hieroglyphs and daily life in ancient Egypt.
Nile itineraries by length
Our 3-day Nile routes between Aswan and Luxor work well for quick trips that still hit the main sites. You'll see Edfu and Kom Ombo temples, with many guests loving the ride to Edfu. There are options with evening entertainment too - belly dancing and local music while you sail are a few examples. Our customers tell us these short cruises are ideal when time is tight, with one saying it's "perfect for those who aren't cruise people." You get comfortable cabin accommodation, buffet meals, and guided temple visits. The schedule mixes morning temple tours with afternoon sailing so you can watch daily life along the river.
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Our week-long cruises give you much more time on the Nile, with top routes mixing sailing from Luxor or Aswan with desert trips. One of the best includes Abu Simbel, while another uses a traditional dahabiya boat for smaller groups. You'll typically visit Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut's temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and also the High Dam over the 7 days. Evenings feature Nubian shows or Galabeya parties, and our travelers consistently rate the food very highly.
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The 10-day trips give you a full Egyptian experience by combining Nile sailing with Cairo and Red Sea visits. Most popular are the ones starting at the pyramids and Egyptian Museum, then flying south for 3-4 nights on the river before finishing with beach time in Hurghada. More people choose these longer options since they offer real downtime between historical visits. Our travelers appreciate having different expert guides for each area - pyramid specialists in Cairo, Egyptologists on the Nile, and local experts for coastal activities.
See all toursTraveler types and experiences
Solo travelers find great value in our 3-4 night cruises:. Meeting people during sunset deck gatherings, shared meals, and daily excursions is easy. Our solo guests particularly like the Aswan to Luxor route - it's got a nice mix of guided visits and free time to wander the markets or just relax on deck.
Our 4-5 night deluxe cruises on boats hit all the right notes for couples. The cabins all face the Nile, the dinners are candlelit, and there's always a quiet spot on deck to watch the sunset. The smaller boats feel more intimate, and our crew loves setting up those special moments - like dinner under the stars. The guides know when to share historical details and when to step back so couples can explore independently.
Young adults go for our packed 4-day trips that cover lots of ground without overspending. You'll see the Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple. You can also add on some felucca sailing or sleeping out in the desert. The boats have a great vibe - Egyptian parties, belly dancing shows, and pool deck hangouts between tours.
Our senior travelers prefer taking it slower with 7-15 day cruises with picking boats with reliable elevators, wide cabins, and stable walkways. Temple visits happen early before the heat kicks in, leaving afternoons free to watch village life along the riverbanks. Having medical facilities on board and smooth transfer handling gives our older guests real peace of mind.
Our family cruises run 4-5 days, hitting the sweet spot between sightseeing and relaxation. Kids love exploring Karnak Temple's massive columns in Luxor and playing hide-and-seek while parents take photos.There's plenty to keep everyone busy - Egyptian cooking classes where kids can get hands-on, traditional music shows, and pool time between stops.
- Solo Travelers277 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples36 tours All tours for Couples
- Seniors (50+)34 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit
- Summer 2025
Summer cruising from June through August needs smart planning, but early morning starts make site visits doable. The carefully planned schedule hits Karnak Temple at sunrise, Valley of the Kings in the early morning, and includes peaceful sailing when the day heats up. Travelers use the sundeck pools well, and the evening Galabiya parties turn quite lively.
- June 2025 267 tours
- July 2025 269 tours
- August 2025 popular 273 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
October and November are peak seasons, with perfect conditions for extended voyages. The classic route between Aswan and Luxor shines then, offering comfortable temperatures for exploring Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, and also the Valley of the Kings. The pleasant weather makes it an excellent time for longer programs that combine the Nile cruising with visits to Cairo's pyramids and museums.
- September 2025 popular 287 tours
- October 2025 270 tours
- 262 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
The winter months from November through February offer really pleasant sailing conditions. Our Aswan to Luxor routes work perfectly with mild temperatures that make morning temple visits quite comfortable. You can relax on the sundeck during afternoon sailing, though the pool water runs a bit cool, as our winter travelers often mention. The guided tours to Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, and Edfu Temple come with expert Egyptologists bringing ancient history to life. The heated cabins feel particularly nice when evening temperatures drop, and many travelers love watching the Nile sunset right from their balconies.
- December 2025 popular 257 tours
- January 2026 248 tours
- February 2026 248 tours
- Spring 2026
March through May brings ideal weather for our longer 5-15 day packages combining Nile cruises with Cairo exploration. The conditions work perfectly for extra activities like hot air ballooning over Luxor's West Bank - something our travelers often call the highlight of their trip. As temperatures warm up, those afternoon pool dips on the sundeck feel especially good after morning temple visits. The evening entertainment really comes alive in spring, with traditional music, Nubian dancing and also cultural performances under the open sky.
- March 2026 popular 251 tours
- April 2026 244 tours
- May 2026 230 tours
Contact our Nile travel experts
Rebecca
Expert in Nile at TourRadar
Rebecca is one of our seasoned Nile Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Nile tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Nile River Cruises
What's the best time to take a Nile cruise?
You'll want to plan your cruise between October and April when the weather's really pleasant. That's when Egypt cools down a bit which makes exploring all those amazing sites so much more enjoyable.
Which temples should I definitely see between Luxor and Aswan?
Karnak Temple in Luxor is absolutely incredible with these massive columns and structures everywhere you'll see it on the Egyptian Highlights Tour. The Temple of Horus at Edfu is amazingly well-preserved really shows you how ancient Egyptians practiced their religion. Abu Simbel's pretty special too they actually moved the whole thing to save it from flooding and those four huge Ramses II statues are incredible. You can check it out on the Cairo Nile Valley & Red Sea Resort 10-day tour.
Where is the best place to start a cruise on the Nile?
Most cruises sail between Luxor and Aswan, and either city works as a starting point. Starting in Luxor puts you right next to major sites like Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Aswan offers a slower pace and is great if you prefer a quieter start. Some longer trips begin in Cairo, but they usually include flights to the main cruising section, since large parts of the river between Cairo and Luxor aren’t navigable.
Do you see the pyramids on a Nile cruise?
Not on the usual cruise route. The pyramids are near Cairo, far to the north of where most Nile cruises run between Luxor and Aswan. However, many cruise packages include a stop in Cairo either before or after your river trip, so you can visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx as part of a longer itinerary. A few extended “Full Nile” cruises claim to run from Cairo to Luxor, but parts of the route are often done by road or air because of river restrictions.
How much do you tip on a Nile cruise?
It’s common to tip around $8 to $12 per person per day for the ship’s crew. That usually goes into a pool that’s split among staff. Guides and drivers often receive separate tips — especially if they’re leading your excursions or private tours. Some luxury cruises include tips in your fare, but not all, so it’s worth checking ahead. US dollars, euros, and Egyptian pounds are all widely accepted for tipping.
Are mosquitoes a problem on Nile cruises?
They can be, especially around sunset and during warmer months. Cruise ships usually manage this well with air-conditioned cabins and screened windows, but it’s still smart to bring insect repellent. Wearing long sleeves or pants in the evening helps too. If you’re cruising between November and February, mosquitoes tend to be much less of an issue thanks to the cooler weather.
What is the dress code for a Nile River cruise?
During the day, light and breathable clothes work best — think cotton or linen, especially for temple visits and walking tours. Most cruises ask for modest dress at religious sites, which means covering your shoulders and knees regardless of gender. Evenings on board tend to be smart-casual. Some ships host gala dinners where you’ll want to dress up a bit more, while others might have themed nights like “Egyptian Night,” where travelers often wear galabiya robes you can buy locally.